Mail box



v 1,642,806 Sept. 20,1927. ON CHOATE MAIL BOX Filed July 12, 1926 gwuewboz PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES N. GHOATE, OF

ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN.

MAIL Box.

Application filed July 12,

The invention relates to mail boxes more particularly designed for use in rural d1:- tricts, but also adapted'for general use. It is the object of the invention to obtain a a construction which provides large storage capacity, is thoroughly weatherproof, and is easily manipulated for the insertion or withdrawal of the mail matter. With these and other objects in view the invention consists in the construction as hereinafter set forth;

"in the drawings;

Figure 1 is an elevation of the box in closed position; v

Figure 2 is a similar view showing it in open position;

Figure 3 is a plan view illustratlng the arrangement of a plurality or nest of boxes secured to a common post or standard.

For use in rural mail routes it is usual to place the mail boxes on posts or other standards, so that they will be accessible without leaving the seat of the mail cart. Usually such boxes are arranged in horizontal position and are provided with covers hinged or otherwise secured, which must be lifted for access to the box. I have substituted for this horizontal arrangement of the box a vertical arrangement, preferably in axial alignment with the supporting post, as this forms less of an obstruction and also is more weatherproof. The box is also formed of telescopically engaged inner and outer recep tacles and is provided with means for simultaneously tilting from the vertical position and opening the telescopic engagement.

Indetail, A is an outer cylindrical receptacle open at both ends. B is an inner receptacle closed at both ends and telescopically engaging the receptacle A, being provided with a cap C for overlapping and closing the receptacle A and being cut away at one side, as indicated at D, for access to the interior. The outer receptacle A is pivotallymounted upon the standard such as E, which latter is preferably secured to a cap F adapted to be placed on the top of the supporting post. The pivot G is located at one side of the vertical center ofthe box so that gravity action will tend to return and to hold the box in vertical position. H is a link pivotally attached at its upper end to the cap C and at its lower end to the cap F, or other stationary point, the arrangement being such that the tilting of the receptacle A on its pivot G 1926. Serial Nd. 121,933.

from vertical to horizontal will move out- 'ward the inner receptacle G.

The construction as described is adapted for use either singly or in clusters. Where a single box is used, the cap F is secured to the top of the post by screws, nails or other securing means- If, however, there is a cluster of boxes,the individual boxes are preferably secured to a revoluble' carrier, as shown in Figure 3. This carrier may be in the form of a wheel pivoted on the post and having a series of spokes on each of which one of the boxes is mounted.

In operation, to insert or withdraw mail matter from the box, it is tilted downward, this causing the link H to move the. inner receptacle outward until the cut-away portion is exposed. To close the box, a slight up-- ward push to the link H is all that is necessary, as gravity action will complete the operation. This is due to the fact that the pivot G is above the center-of the lower receptacle and also the inner receptacle B is lowered during movement from the horizontal to thevertical.

With the construction as above described 1 there are a number of advantages which are not found in ordinary mail boxes, amongst which are the following; the box, when in closed position, is aligned with the supporting post, thus lessening the liability of it beng struck and damaged by a vehicle or other object, the post serving as a protection. The box is stormproot and can not freeze shut since only the outer casing is exposed to the weather. erator when it is opened, making it more convenient to insert or remove mail than in the usual construction where the operator must go toward the box. Furthermore, the link H is used as a handle for opening and closing the box and forms a support for the inner receptacle when it is in open position.

\Vhatl claim as my invention is:

l. A mail box comprising telescopically engaged outer and inner receptacles, means for supporting the outer receptacle including a pivotal mounting, and means interconnected with the supporting means and the inner receptacle automatically operating upon the tilting of said receptacle on its pivot for outwardly moving the inner receptacle.

52. A mail box comprising telescopically engaging outer and inner receptacles, means The box comes toward the op for supporting the outer receptacle includ ing a pivotal mounting, and a mechanical means interconnected with the supporting means and the inner receptacle for sliding the inner receptacle inwardly or outwardly of the outer receptacle upon the tilting of the latter.

3. A mail box comprising telescopically engaged outer and inner receptacles, said inner receptacle being cut away on one side and being provided With a flanged cap for overlapping and closing said outer recep-' tacle, a pivotal support for, said outer rece itacle,v and a link connecting said support with the cap of said inner receptacle to cause the automatic telescopic movement thereof upon the tilting of the outer receptacle.

4. A mail box comprising telescopically engaged outer and inner cylindrical. receptacles, said inner receptacle being cut away at one side and being provided with a cap for closing the outer receptacle, a standard to Which said outer receptacle is pivotally attached, and a link pivotally connected'to the cap of said inner receptacle and to said standard to cause the automatic telescopic movement of the inner receptacle upon the tilting of the outer receptacle.

5. A mail box comprising a post, telescopically engaged inner and outer receptacles, a pivotal mountingfor said receptacles on said post to hold the same normally in axial alignment therewith, and a link connecting said lnner receptacle with a stationary bearing on said post, whereby the tilting of said receptacles from the vertical to the horizontal will automatically open I the inner receptacle.

6. A mail box'comprising a post, a cap secured thereto, a standard extending upward from said cap, telescopically engaged inner and outer receptacles, thelatter being pivotally attached to said standard to extend in axial alignment with said post, and a link connecting said cap with the upper end 01" said inner receptacle,whereby in tilting from the vertical toward the hori-' zontal said inner receptacle is moved telescopically'outward to provide access thereto.

to automatically move the same outward upon the tilting of said receptacle.

In testimony whereof I afiiX my signature.

CHARLES N. CHOATE. 

